Materials Challenges at Supercritical Conditions

Supercritical water technology can potentially be exploited during either waste destruction or energy generation. Supercritical Water Oxidation (SCWO) provides rapid and complete oxidation of organics, including chemical nerve agent, with high destruction efficiencies at typical operating temperatures. The Supercritical Water Cooled Reactor (SCWR) concept promises high thermal efficiencies in combination with nuclear plant simplification. Both technologies, nevertheless, involve significant materials issues. This presentation addresses some of the factors relevant to corrosion and degradation mitigation for each of these technologies.